Opera: Alcina & Exhibition: The Horror Show

On Thursday, back - at last! - with London Classical Music and Theatre Group (LCMTG), for Alcina at the Royal Opera House. More Handel..

I was gonna be passing The Lucas Arms, so ate there. And well. And arrived, in due course, at the Opera House -to discover I was the first (apart from the organiser) to arrive! Well, that's what the Tube strike will do for you.. Well anyway, we decided we probably wouldn't see anyone else, so headed to our seats.

Before the first (of two) intervals, I had a lot of empty seats around me, which was nice! Well now, I love Baroque opera - for the music. Never, never try to follow the story - as I'm sure someone once told me. Of course, I'd made the mistake of looking up the synopsis the night before - it's a mishmash of confusing characters, a woman pretending to be a man, and a pair of sorceresses (Alcina and her sister) busily falling in and out of love, and turning people into animals on a whim. Neh, just go with it.. the members of the group that night agreed! (We met another at the first interval.)

The music is gorgeous, of course. And wow, what a fun production! In a stroke of genius, they've decided to present the ordinary, non-magical folk as kind of Puritan characters, as hinted at by the security curtain. Dressed in plain clothing, and busily reading their bibles, they're completely flummoxed by the sexy, glamorous sorceresses - Alcina's magic powers are contained in, of all things, a perfume bottle. The show is full of humour, the "transformed" characters wearing very cute animal heads, and there are plenty of visual gags to keep us entertained over what is, admittedly, a very, very long runtime. The singing was top-notch, though, and they played to an appreciative audience, who applauded after most arias.

I went down to meet the others at the first interval, but honestly couldn't be bothered at the second, and we didn't meet after, as the organiser had to run for a train. But it was good to see her again - I don't think I knew the other guy there - and it was lovely to get back to the opera. And to the Opera House. This production runs on selected dates till the 26th. I was back so late though, and was so tired, there was no point in blogging.

Yesterday, I was heading to The Horror Show at Somerset House - a horror-based art exhibition - with The Horror Book Club. But then Civilised London (CL) popped up with another meal - so I booked that, and we were headed to Champor Champor, a Thai / Malay restaurant. Meeting beforehand at The Rose, nearby. Until he decided, just over a week ago, to cancel it! I supposed he hadn't wanted to do it with only two of us, since I was - unusually - the only one to sign up. But to my further surprise - he kicked me out of the group later that night! No warning, no explanation - not very "civilised". Jeez, I suppose he's had enough of me. And you think you know someone.. Can't believe I used to consider him a friend.

Killer is, he was such a good reference for good eateries - and the group is private, so without being a member, I won't be able to see where he's going. Ah well, TBH, I was beginning to feel out of place with the people who were attending the meals.. which was pretty much all I was doing with the group, lately. Meantime, I was back at The Horror Show - at least the ticket wouldn't go to waste!

We met at a Pret on Strand - just as well she gave us the address, and that was what I searched for, as there are several in the area! It's a lovely building, actually - very high ceilings. Unfortunately, they didn't have any of the salmon sandwiches I like - they had little left, by this hour. I grabbed an apple juice and joined the group - the only group in the place, and easy to spot. And we had a lovely chat - seems none of them had yet seen Barbarian, which I recommended highly, and not all had even heard of Darkfield. Man, they need me for recommendations..

Well, when everyone had arrived, we headed off. As you come from Strand, large signs advertise the show, but there's nothing on the door itself - however, if you head through the main entrance on that side, and left past the reception desk, you'll come to a lift, which you can take down to it - it's downstairs, in the Embankment Galleries. We entered by another door (opened by a button to the side), taking stairs down - there are some signs on the floor to direct you. Actually, it's much easier just to come in from Embankment, where they have a very obvious entrance. With an interesting soundtrack to entertain you - something like a demon eating. And having indigestion..

Now, I read a terrible review of this - which I'm happy to say I didn't agree with. Mostly. As we agreed in the group, though, they have a point in saying it's poorly curated. Seems a bit - scattered. However, helpful information boards throughout explain that it's divided into three sections - Monster is first, dealing with horrific art (including punk) through the 70s and 80s. And I have to say, this was my favourite:

The later sections were less successful for me - but there some pieces I liked. Including a strange little film of a woman inching her way around the edge of a room without touching the floor..

Well, I mightn't have liked everything - but as I said to people in the group, I think anyone with an interest in horror would find something in there for them. Runs till the 19th of February - recommended, if, as I say, you have an interest in such things! Meantime, we schlepped off to a pub - and I have to say, found an ideal one in Temple Brew House, which has a downstairs bar serving craft beer. And, crucially, had a long table free! Lovely - and I had a cracker of an evening, chatting to various people. So glad I made this in the end - both for the exhibition, and for the group. I had such a better time than I'd have had with that snob who runs CL.. Anyway, again, I was far too tired to blog last night.

This evening, planned another meal with the people that are harder to herd than cats! But lo, of the four people I invited, three bowed out. Jeez.. so I'm down to just the same person that was the only one to make it last time, so I decided to head somewhere different. For variety. We're going to The Garrick Arms, which is in a nice, central area, and is - crucially - a Greene King pub: so I can have my pie! again..

Tomorrow, back with the Crick Crack Club at the British Museum, where Daniel Morden and Hugh Lupton are performing The Iliad.

On Monday, not having been with LCMTG for ages, I'm with them for the second time in a week! Heading to Wigmore Hall this time, for the Takács Quartet, who are playing Beethoven. Now sold out - and I'm not surprised, given that when I booked, I got one of the last three (top price) seats! Ah well, it wasn't astronomical - and I do love Beethoven.

On Tuesday, back at the QT Bar - for the RB and Soul Revue. Now, they put on a great show - but, given my experience last time, I'll know to buy my drink at the upstairs bar and take it down with me - better choice! And at least this time, I'll know where I'm going.. Pity I didn't think to check CT first, who have cheap tickets!!

On Wednesday, I'm back at Conway Hall, for a concert called Sing Like a Vagabond - Shouts and Cries of Victorian London. Tickets are free, but you do have to book.

On Thursday, I'm back with Up in the Cheap Seats at the Coliseum, for a performance of Yeomen of the Guard, by Gilbert & Sullivan. And knowing the steepness of the steps in the Balcony - and the irregularity - and what with my stairs phobia - I've done my best to get a seat at the side, so I can use the handrail to get down. Oh, and an aisle seat, what with the restricted legroom..

Then I'm back to Ireland again. Next Saturday, UL is hosting a PhD reunion, with a tour of the campus and, crucially, free lunch. And I'll be using the occasion to catch up with an old friend and, hopefully, find out what finally prompted him to quit lecturing at last, more than 10 years after I did, considering he was bullied even worse than I was! With a late flight the next day, I might get to a film as well..

Opera: Otello

Last Friday, back with the London Classical Music and Theatre Group for the opera Otello, at the Royal Opera House. Job interview beforehand - went very well! despite the internet crashing just as we were finishing. But she did let me know that I'd passed that stage, and would be getting a writing test as the next step.

And so I legged it to the opera - unfortunately, not getting time to eat anywhere! I was starving when I got there, so queued to see what they had in the cafe - the best seemed to be the smoked salmon and cream cheese bagel. Which was more bagel than anything else, and doused in poppy seeds - the organiser remarked that it seemed "very dense", which is quite accurate, and I couldn't finish it. But it did keep me from fainting.

Seat BB26 in the slips. Remind me never to take this seat again! Or anything in the second row of the slips, really. The view was pretty non-existent, what with most of the action happening at our side, and people in the row in front leaning forward, and blocking what view there was! We discovered that we could get some kind of a view - at least see most of the characters who were singing - if we stood, but the lady beside me was seriously cheesed off, and left at the interval (thus giving me more space). My comfort level improved massively after that, since in addition to her leaving, the closest of the "leaners" left as well! so I actually got something like a decent view for half the performance. Still had to stand for the death scene, though (spoiler).

But as the organiser remarked, the sound is terrific there - and this score, and the singing, is tremendous! This is an opera I hadn't heard before, but wow, was I in for a treat. The group singing is breathtaking - and for the soloists, I'm sorry but the singer portraying Iago completely blew all the others off stage, in my view. Truly highly recommended - if you enjoy beautiful music, you'll lap this up. Runs on selected dates until next Sunday.

Afterwards, David from the group was kind enough to treat me to a drink in the nearby Coach & Horses - apparently the original owner, father of the current owner, was Irish, and this is an authentic Irish pub. And we had a lovely chat there until closing. By which stage, of course, I was still hungry! Now, the only place still open at that hour - and less than 10 minutes' walk away - was the Hippodrome. So off I went, and was deliciously fed - although sadly, I see the tea rooms now close at 1am, rather than 2. So I was just in time. Not to blog though - I had to be up early.

Last Saturday, I had booked with Discover London (DL) for a trip to see a cart marking ceremony. Just last week, I saw a new ad from Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - sounded good, 9 Circles - a psychological thriller that examines the ethics of war - at the Park Theatre, with lunch beforehand in Palmyra's Kitchen, next door.  And of course Eleanor, organiser of TunedIn London, advertised a concert through the World Music Meetup, for that evening, at City Hope Church. So I went to all three! Managed to squeeze them in..

Yesterday, back with Bucket List London (BLL) - this time, it was a trip to Sandown Antiques Market. Well, I'd never been to Sandown, so decided this could be interesting. Crikey though, with the temperatures forecast for this weekend, I'd have to be careful in the great outdoors..

(All these events are described in today's post Parts II & III - simply because I ran out of space for all the labels I wanted to add!)

Tonight, back with North London Friends! for the first time since before lockdown. This is for an Edinburgh Comedy Festival preview, at the King's Head in Crouch End, featuring Lucy Porter and Rachel Fairburn.

Tomorrow.. I took a punt that I wouldn't actually be employed that day, and signed up again - at last - for a walk with Laurence and the 45+ Not Grumpy Old Londoners. This is The Magic of Midtown - and as I said to him, it finishes very near my new home! I also promised to let him know if I couldn't actually make it. Another day predicted to be scorching.. shade recommended! And wouldn't you know it - he postponed it, as a result. So now, instead, I'm headed with London Baroque Music Lovers to a late-night gig at the Albert Hall - Prom 7 is Dido and Aeneas. Can hide indoors until evening.

On Wednesday, I finish my Meetup run with a trip with UITCS to Leicester Square Theatre to see Frankie Boyle, who has a work in progress show.

On Thursday, I'm heading - at last - to Summer by the River at More London. This is for a free evening of music, curated by Soho Radio. Meeting someone for this, we are going for food beforehand at Wawa - she likes ramen. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend. Unlikely to get to a film that weekend, as I need to get my car serviced for its NCT - sooner the better, and I couldn't last weekend.

Next Monday, I'm headed to see The Throne, a comedy about to open at Charing Cross Theatre, in which the Queen gets locked in a portaloo with a staunch republican. Time Out has an offer of £10 tickets for the cheapest seats for this - a saving of more than 50%!

On the 26th - tan-ta-ra! I finally managed to get a decently priced ticket to Jerusalem, at the Apollo. I have heard so much about this, and it's always at the top of the Time Out listings - nearly as hard as Hamilton to get a reasonably priced ticket for, so I'm delighted to get one, if only not to have to look any more.

On the 27th, back to Summer by the River again.. for Bumper Blyton: Improvised Adventures for Grown-Ups! Improvised comedy in the style of Enid Blyton books.. sounds jolly good!

On the 28th - another UITCS event that Meetup finally decided to flag to me. So I've booked to go with them to see Briefs Factory's show, Bite Club! at Queen Elizabeth Hall. Drag, burlesque.. should be fun!

On the 29th, I was thinking about the National Theatre's River Stage 2022. This will be the first night of the Hackney Empire's Young Producers Weekend, and there'll be some dance and some music. But now, Civilised London has organised an Ecuadorian meal at El Inca Plebeyo - so I'm going to that instead. His choices are always good. Meeting beforehand at The Canonbury Tavern.

On the 30th, back in Greenwich with BLL - we're starting with the Old Royal Naval College and National Maritime Museum. Was originally supposed to be the Queen's House to finish, but turns out they're booked out all day for a wedding, despite not having clarified that on the website! Then in the afternoon, we're headed to Eltham Palace and Gardens. Quite the packed day..

On the 31st, back with TAC for the opening night of I'm Not Myself Today: A Villainous Cabaret at the Bread and Roses in Clapham. An hour in which someone discusses with us why we all love the villain!

On the 1st, I'm going to the Kiln Theatre for The Darkest Part of the Night. Another troublesome website - I tried for days to get it to work..!

And on the 2nd, thinking vaguely about the Camden Fringe, which runs all next month - there's, for example, an interesting audio event called A Little Drape of Heaven, where you hold a precious item of clothing to your heart, then press play to access a YouTube link that you've paid for. Hmm.. Meantime, Laurence has postponed that walk to this day. Which I can go on as well, assuming I'm not gainfully employed yet..!

Opera: Samson et Delila

For tonight, I figured, well, the boss didn't say anything yesterday, so this dinner was probably not happening this week at all! but certainly not tonight. So that left me free to book the opera of Samson and Dalila, at the Opera House, with London Classical Music and Theatre Group. Got the very last seat in the slips - and this would be my only Meetup of the week. Ironically, the office is only a hop, skip and jump from there, and I initially thought to head in for the first time today - but then I realised I had an early meeting, so I said, perhaps not. And later, the agent contacted me to ask whether I could be in the flat from 4 to 6, so someone could come and inspect the gas - so that was that, then.

Indeed, it turned out that the dinner isn't this week at all - he sent around the poll today, with a choice of dates for next week - Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday. Last I checked, Wednesday and Thursday were tied in the lead - again, watch this space! Anyway, the gas guy arrived, was fine about the gas, but disparaging about the lack of panelling, and the mould, in the bathroom and toilet, and the loose tile, and missing button on the gas cooker, in the kitchen. He took photos, and was gone in good time for me to finish work in time. Again, I could walk - how central am I! but not in time to get anything major to eat. En route, I passed the Museum Tavern, and considered a quick bite there - but they were crowded and busy, and I decided against it. Nope, I had checked for a Pret near the Opera House, and found one that was open late enough, so I headed there, and as usual had a lovely smoked salmon sandwich, apple juice, and a chocolate "moose", read the paper, and was then just a few minutes' walk from the Opera House.

Passed this interesting-looking place en-route - seems it used to be an escape room! Don't think it's in use any more, I can't find anything current about it online.

And so to the Opera House. I was early, couldn't see anyone I knew around the ticket desk, and decided to position myself beside the interesting model of the Opera House, as a handy landmark. Posted on the event page where I was, and that's where two group members found me - apologies to the one who missed us, I hope it wasn't my fault!

Of those of us who met beforehand, I was seated the highest up.. thank goodness for the lifts. And wouldn't you know it, the couple beside me got their tickets nine months ago! Yes, it's always easier to get singles..

As the couple on my other side remarked, the timings were funny - of the three acts, the two longer ones took place before the interval, the shortest after. But you know something, I really didn't feel the time pass! I was never familiar with this opera, but as soon as I heard it was by Saint-Saens, I knew I was in safe hands - and sure enough, the music is absolutely beautiful. The couple who'd been talking about the timings also mused, during the pause between the first two acts, about where the soldiers in the opera were supposed to be from - Palestine? Well, as they're technically Philistines, I guess that's not a million miles off. 

The choruses of the Hebrew slaves are particularly stunning, and Delila gets one particularly famous aria. And let's not forget the well-received ballet from the celebrating Philistines in the last act, once Samson has been subdued! As to the view from my seat, well, obviously it was somewhat restricted - more by the angle of the stage than by the rail, and Samson was frequently out of view. But most of the action was quite central, and I was fine. The house was pretty full, although as I say, I got my ticket as late as yesterday. Performances until the 19th - highly recommended. And I see Samson and Delila made up in time for the bows at the end!

Tomorrow, headed to The Father and the Assassin, at the National. Based on the story of the man who murdered Ghandhi, this is supposed to be excellent, from reports I've heard! I was actually originally booked to go to this last Wednesday, but then of course, Civilised London advertised a dinner, and I changed my plans! Happily, the National lets you exchange tickets for credit, so I used mine to rebook for tomorrow. Now, the new office is a hop skip and jump from there, so it would make sense to head in tomorrow. But then it occurred to me that if I did, it wouldn't be as easy to head back to my old place to rescue my remaining stuff - think I'll do that instead. Besides, it's now run a bit late to be up early to get into the office! Not that it doesn't always..

On Thursday, heading to Britannicus at the Lyric Hammersmith (and damned if CT doesn't now have tickets for this!). A political thriller, set in modern-day Rome. Might make my initial office trip that day, it'd shorten the journey.

Then back to Ireland for the weekend. And with a couple of films showing that I'd be interested in seeing, both equally highly rated, the one I'm more interested in is a horror film called Men, in which Jessie Buckley decides to take a trip on her own through the English countryside, following her ex-husband's suicide. She rents a country manor from an odd chap, played by Rory Kinnear - and he ain't the only odd man she meets! England can be a rich trove of horror stories - certainly, the books are hardcore. Let's hope the film is as well. Written and directed by Alex Garland, who has an impressive pedigree as a writer. Has a slightly earlier showing in the Omniplex, so I'll think about heading there.

On Monday, I've booked for Tony! The Tony Blair Musical, at the Park Theatre.

Next Tuesday, booked for Girl on an Altar, at the Kiln Theatre. This is the story of Clytemnestra and her husband, Agamemnon, following his sacrifice of their daughter to the gods.

On the 15th, I'm going to a concert in the City Churches Music series. This is Brilliant Brass, performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra Brass Quintet in the church of St. Stephen Walbrook. I got my ticket from CT, though, and would rather not blot my copybook with them by cancelling - they're very picky about that sort of thing.

On the 16th, headed to Mad House at the Ambassadors Theatre. Unless I'm not..

On the 17th, back with the Crick Crack Club! for The Nine Muses of Queen's Crescent, at Rich Mix. Courtesy of my favourite storyteller, Clare Murphy, whom I haven't seen in an age!

On the 18th, I had booked with TAC for Haydn's Creation at St. Pancras Church, Euston. And then I saw that Bucket List London had booked something for that afternoon! specifically, a trip to Greenwich Royal Observatory and/or the Ranger's House. Ah well now, I haven't been out with this group since January! Ironically, that's where I first met Laurence, on so many of whose walks I've subsequently been - and who knows when I'll see him again?! since he seems only to run walks on weekdays, now. I seem to be swapping one for the other.. So anyway, I'm now going to all of the above. One of those busy days.

On the 19th, back with London Guided Walks - but, armed with the information that they now advertise through TAC, I've booked through them instead! This is the Secrets of St. James Walk, and given how I booked, I must remember to bring £3 cash on the day. I have to admit, the standard of these walks is excellent.

On the 20th, back with Up in the Cheap Seats for Jitney, at The Old Vic. I didn't fancy the cheapest seats - but gee, SFF had seats in all but the most expensive price bands, for very little more! So I now find myself in the central Stalls for this..

And on the 21st, I'm at the Royal Court for That Is Not Who I Am, a play about identity theft, from a mysterious writer about whom we have few details, except that he has worked most of his life in the security industry. Ooh..

Ballet: Sleeping Beauty

Today, Up in the Cheap Seats watched a performance of The Sleeping Beauty, streamed from the Opera House, and available for rental for £3 in the UK, tax added outside the UK. So I booked that, and just watched. Available till the 28th.

Looking back in my records, I see it's about four years since I saw this! Wow, doesn't feel like it. It's so familiar.. the ornate costumes, the iconic music, that famous dance sequence where she pirouettes in place, taking the hand of one suitor after another, for balance.. the image of the ballerina in the music box. Really, you can't find a more classic ballet - full fairytale. And this is a recording of an actual, live performance - remember those?

So, after a relaxing afternoon watching the ballet, I logged on for a nice, long chat with the organiser - lovely to see her again, after what's been a long time. And I even met the cat! It's a pity I don't get to more Meetups.

The same group is actually watching Behind the Beautiful Forevers, a National Theatre production set in the slums of Mumbai, tomorrow - in conjunction with a group from Toronto, it seems! Too late for me, though. Still, I've rented it to watch on my own - I have three days from when I click the link in the mail.

Dance: The Metamorphoisis

Again, a gap without decent programmes on telly. Again, I turned to Meetup for inspiration. And again, Up in the Cheap Seats turned up trumps - not that I could make the actual Meetup, but I happily watched later. And this time, it was a Royal Opera House contemporary dance version of The Metamorphosis, by Kafka. Seems that, every Friday evening, they're streaming a new production - available for 30 days, I think. Mind you, you can also watch it on YouTube, like I did - or, apparently, on Facebook. Now, that's what I call advertising..

So - the story concerns a responsible young man, the sole breadwinner for his family. Every day follows the same dull routine, and the only spark of life comes from his little sister, whom he indulges and buys presents. But one morning - he awakes to find that.. he's turned into an insect.

A weirder, more grotesque transformation you will not find in a dancer. He contorts himself into all sorts of angular, insect-like shapes, and they spew black ink all over him to emphasise the difference, the mess he makes as he writhes around contrasting sharply with the all-white set. His parents, predictably, are perplexed, disturbed, uncomprehending. The cleaner has a helluva job to do, which she doesn't appreciate. His little sister is the only one sympathetic to him, as she tries to understand what's happened, initially tries to get him back to normal, and when she can't, tries to make him as comfortable as possible. But you know things can't go on like this..

Terrific, imaginative production, with an eerie score that I actually found quite soporific! Not good, as I was watching it late at night - and would have been tempted to leave it, except that I was enjoying it. Unsettling, mind - sort of a horror story. So I loved it! And again I have to say, there's so much free stuff available online now that no-one with an interest in the arts should be bored! Certainly beats what was available on telly.

I'm thinking film for tomorrow, again.. still haven't watched Planet Earth's next-highest rated episode, #3: Fresh Water!

Royal Opera House Backstage Tour

Today, I was back at the Opera House with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) - for a backstage tour! There's a group rate, but the group booked ages before I got interested. Still, when I suggested that I buy my own ticket and come along, they suggested I contact the box office to see whether I could be included on the group rate! So I did - and they said yes, and gave me a booking reference number, saying to ring with that number to pay by phone. So I did - and was speaking with a terribly nice chap, with a terribly posh voice, who was delighted to hear all this! And so I went, on the group rate.

I had my ticket in advance, of course - and just as well I remembered to bring it; e-ticketing hadn't been an option. Caught the bus there, early enough to grab something in the cafe beforehand. It's worth remembering that you get a 10% discount with a tour ticket, for the same day! So I had a hot chocolate - the weather's actually heated up a bit (I had a lighter coat on today), but that wind is chilly. Brandished my ticket, which he checked and thanked me profusely for showing him. You collect hot drinks around the side of the cafe. The chocolate itself was curiously malty, but not unpleasant - my though, their containers are terrifically heatproof! Mine was easily cool enough to hold - but I needn't have worried about the temperature of the hot chocolate; it was molten.

Turned out to be a busy day.. Dots Day in the Opera House is all about the little humans! We weren't to see a lot of them apart from at the beginning and end, though - we spent a lot of time in the backstage areas. But the cafe was busy.. and the "baby-wearing" ballet classes, downstairs in the lobby of the Linbury, seemed to be a big hit! (Yes, they were wearing babies - so, performing ballet complete with perplexed baby in carrier. With someone accompanying on piano.) Alternatively, you could let the kiddies loose on a giant chalkboard. Suitable for ages 5 and under.

Anyway, after I'd finished my chocolate (and someone was right along to clear away my glass), I had a look around for the new box office, where the group was to meet. Never actually been there, of course - I usually don't elect to pick up my tickets. Couldn't see it.. until I turned around. O yes, there it was, hiding along the entirety of one wall. Duh. With a long sofa opposite - so I deposited myself there, and waited for the others to arrive.

Which they did, in due course - the others had to get their tickets from the organiser anyway. But the tour was actually leaving from just in front of the cloakroom, on the other side of the cafe. They put a sign there to inform you of that. And maybe five minutes beforehand, our guide materialised with an armful of guest passes on yellow lanyards, which we had to wear for the duration. We were one person short - someone had messaged the organiser, right beforehand, to say she was en route but delayed. Well anyway, we started the tour in the old lobby - the one with the red carpet - and as we were about to head off from there, the organiser had a word with the guide to explain about the latecomer. Wouldn't you know it, at that moment, in she came, breathlessly, having found someone to guide her to where we were! Terrific timing - although had she been just a few minutes earlier, she might have caught us as we were leaving the cafe. What a difference a few minutes make.. apparently, today has been a bad day for the Tube, with a strike and other issues.

Aw, what she'd have missed! This is a fantastic tour - and as our guide explained, she's a student, does this part-time, and absolutely loves it. You simply wouldn't believe everything there is to see - and to hear about. It starts at the royal entrance - and we hear how Queen Victoria was a massive fan, came something like four times a week (I think she and I would have had much in common), and lobbied hard to get it rebuilt, when it burned down during her reign. We were at the foot of the stairs to the royal box - sadly, not accessible to the public. Sadly, also, photography is not permitted. Never mind, the tour continues to the "king's smoking room". Apparently set aside for Prince Albert - who wasn't as keen on the shows as his wife was, and came down here during performances for a nap on the sofa, before nipping upstairs again to wave at the crowd - it was later put to good use by their eldest son, Edward VII, who, with the help of some agreeable ladies of the stage, found another use for the sofa..

Ah, but there's more. We are led through a warren of passages, strictly instructed to hold the security doors open for each other, because our passes won't open them. We end up under the stage, backstage.. we heard lots of rehearsals, so had a beautiful musical backdrop to much of the tour. We have to take the lift, near the beginning of the tour - and wouldn't you know it, the big one seemed to be out of action, so not only did we have to split into two groups (with another Opera House employee shepherding one half), but our group, which went up second, took forever to get there! what with other people using the lift, and so on. By the time we did get up to Level 6 - where the ballet rehearsal rooms are - the first group up had had ages to stare through the soundproof window at three dancers, rehearsing inside. Not that our half didn't stay for long enough as well, as our guide explained to us the everyday trials of a ballet dancer, and people passed with tutus and so on.. Indeed, we were outside the rehearsal room windows for so long that the poor dancers on show must have wondered what we could be doing..

From there to the costume workshops, hearing how designers take such care with the costumes, even the bits that aren't going to be seen by the wider audience. And past enticing windows overlooking the backstage area - apparently seven times the size of the stage area, and packed with huge, evocative backdrops. And throughout, our guide was delighted to take questions, and we learned all sorts of interesting stuff. Like how opera productions are planned and cast five years in advance (three for ballet), so as to secure the services of artists who are much in demand. And how about 1000 people work in the Opera House, if you take everyone into account - 50 or so technicians etc. on each production. The building is colour-coded, so you know where you are - red for production, green for admin, and so on; we still hadn't a notion where we were at any point, until she deposited us, around the corner from where we started. Right outside the giftshop..

Absolutely fascinating, really highly recommended. I defy anyone to find a more intriguing backstage tour!

After much discussion, most people headed their ways - some were off to Death of England, anyway. Those of us who were left headed into Covent Garden Market, and ended up in Le Pain Quotidien, which had enough seating upstairs to accommodate us, and there's a choice of large or small plates. We had to wait a bit to be served - it was quite busy - but service was friendly, and the food was good. A couple of people had hot chocolates - essentially a cup of milk, accompanied by a little jug of thick chocolate sauce, which you add to taste! I must try that, some time. I had wine, others beer. I had the stew - that's twice, this week! and I have to say, I preferred the one in Kalamaras. Today's was tasty enough - but absolutely swimming in sauce, so that when I was finished, my bowl was still half full. The others had tartines, one had the chicken pie, one the chilli sin carne. And everyone seemed well satisfied. The chat was good, and overall, an excellent day!

On my way home, I waited for the #11, at the stop on Strand. No sign of it coming - and when I could get the internet on my phone to cooperate, my bus app said it'd be 18 minutes.. 20 minutes.. 25 minutes.. so I decided to take the short walk to Aldwych and try for the #26 instead, which was promised to come much quicker. Imagine my surprise when the bus that came - was the #11! and not from Strand, but from Lancaster Place. I've asked TFL whether this was a route change.. I had no warning of it.

Well, it's good to have a few hours to myself! Tomorrow, of course - not having been mentioned previously - is film. And I've finally worked my way down the film list to Jojo Rabbit. Multi-Oscar-nominated (although not a winner), this is the story of a little boy in Nazi Germany, with Adolf Hitler as his imaginary friend, whose world view is questioned when he discovers that his mother (Scarlett Johansson) is hiding a Jewish girl in the attic. Someone said during the week that he'd found it funny - which kind of disturbed him. Me, I think the trailer looks quirky, and I'm looking forward to seeing it for myself. Showing in the Vue Islington - five times tomorrow. So I should be able to find a time to fit. Not wanting to restrict myself, I'll wait to see how tomorrow goes before I choose a showing.

All next week is UITCS! On Monday, we're at The Sunset Limited at the Boulevard - a new one for me. I booked on Christmas Eve, so in time to get a Roulette ticket - I don't find out out until the night where I'm sitting. Nor do the others!

On Tuesday, off to see a WIP show by comedian Kerry Godliman in 2Northdown.

On Wednesday, we're going to see A Number, at the Bridge.

Really looking forward to Thursday, when we're off to see Endgame, at the Old Vic. Double bill with Rough for Theatre II. I'm a huge Beckett fan. Incidentally, stars Daniel Radcliffe. I hope he does it justice. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend, again - checking my mother's electricity meter, which they persist in over-estimating the usage of.

On the 2nd, back with Civilised London for another of those free jazz nights at Wilton's. This time, it's One Voice, One Cello & a Mad Belgian!

On the 3rd, back at Soho Theatre to see Dane Baptiste's comedy show, The Chocolate Chip.

On the 4th, back with UITCS at Sadler's Wells for a collaboration between Crystal Pite and her company, Kidd Pivot, and Jonathon Young, on an adaptation of a Russian comic play, Revisor (The Inspector General).

And on the 5th, going to see Shoe Lady at the Royal Court.

Ballet: Onegin

Today and tomorrow are in the Opera House - tonight, I was at the ballet Onegin.. happily, I bought my ticket before the cheap ones all sold out! Left in decent time - sort of. The office is close enough that I can walk - theoretically. But hey, by the time I was ready it would've been a bit tight - and my decision was made when I turned a corner and was hit another wallop by the wind. Sod it, I said, I am not enduring a half hour of being a punching bag for the wind - I'm sick of it. So I took the bus instead - most of the way there. Much better.

So - this is the best view you can have from the back row of the slips; I was right at the end. And it's not bad - although wasn't improved when the front row filled up and they all leaned forward for a better view. At least I had a couple of free seats beside me, which gave me a bit of freedom to stretch out. Unfortunately, you just can't avoid a corner of the stage being cut off - and unfortunately, for this production, a lot of action takes place right there. Honestly, for one bit, I had to stand up to see what was happening. Hey, I could though - there was nobody behind me, after all!

Didn't spoil my experience, I'm happy to say. This is a classic story of a man who spurns a young woman who loves him, only to regret it when it's too late. The score - by Tchaikovsky - is spectacular, the choreography graceful, the whole production startlingly beautiful: it does make for a wonderful evening out. As always, here. Runs till the 29th, but now completely sold out - despite the ticket prices! Still, highly recommended if you get a chance to see it. Far too much clapping at the end, as usual..

My bus home arrived almost immediately - and we even managed to get to it, squeezing past rickshaws and taxis waiting for the crowds streaming out from Mamma Mia! And I had some fun, on the journey home, watching the young lady sat facing me - who was enjoying both her ice cream and the view out the window, gawping at everything! Well, it's a great sightseeing route.

Tomorrow, I'm back there with Up in the Cheap Seats - for a backstage tour! There's a group rate, but the group booked ages before I got interested. Still, when I suggested that I buy my own ticket and come along, they suggested I contact the box office to see whether I could be included on the group rate! So I did - and they said yes, and gave me a booking reference number, saying to ring with that number to pay by phone. So I did - and was speaking with a terribly nice chap, with a terribly posh voice, who was delighted to hear all this! And so I'm going, on the group rate. And we might hang around afterwards, and do something.

Opera: Alice's Adventures Under Ground & Storytelling: Love, Lust and Betrayal

Today, well, initially I was thinking of film again. But wouldn't you know it, that damn film, Outside the City, was still showing - today only, this week! It's a documentary about trappist monks, whose numbers are dwindling, and whose members are ageing, so they can no longer run the farm, and have taken to brewing beer instead. Yeah.. I'm sure it's very good, very interesting - but I'm not that enthused. I'm not even a beer drinker. Never mind, Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) again came to the rescue - and so I went with them to an operatic treatment of Alice's Adventures Under Ground, at the Opera House! With a lot wanting lunch beforehand, we arranged to meet at Wagamama - they have large, communal tables.

I had no inkling of the effect of Storm Ciara until I went outside, heading to Wagamama - and heard the wind whistling through the skyscrapers. Felt the effect as I was crossing the road - I had to make a real effort to get to the middle, where I had to wait to let traffic pass, and in the meantime cling to the traffic light for stability. Damn cold wind too - it was a relief when the bus finally came; for some reason, Google Maps was recommending a combination of buses, but I knew the #11 would take me straight there. We were slightly delayed, mind, when our driver stopped to help another bus driver - the ad had half blown off his bus! He was asking our driver whether he'd seen the bit that had come loose, on his travels.. and now a section remained half attached, flapping around - and he couldn't drive along like that! Our driver spent some time unsuccessfully trying to pull it off, then gave up when the TFL emergency van arrived.

Alighting at Bedford Street, I was a two-minute walk from the restaurant, with half an hour to spare. Google Maps helpfully informed me that there was a Caffe Nero en route - so I headed in there. Was sorely tempted by the chocolate fudge cake - which I passed on, given that I was shortly to eat. Ordered my usual chocolate Milano, and was lucky enough to get a table by the window. And when I'd finished the chocolate Milano, I headed the short distance to the restaurant - to find that a couple of people had beaten me to it, and we had taken a table near the kitchen. Handy for watching the cooking, if you sat facing it as I did. Most of the people who'd fancied lunch didn't make it - sore throats, travel disruptions.. seven of us ate in the end.

I had chicken katsu curry, which was an improvement on last time - still, the lamb teriyaki that the person opposite me had looked very tempting, and I might try that if I'm back again. More complaints from today's group about the changed menu.. but by and large, we were decently fed. Now, for dessert, our Italian organiser had a couple of places in mind - but we'd have had to eat outside, and in this weather, that wasn't an option. So instead, we headed to the Opera House, and took a seat in the Paul Hamlyn Hall - it's a long time since I arrived here early enough before a show to be able to have a drink! which I did.

The theatre was packed for this final performance - lots of kids present. And I hope they enjoyed it as much as I did! The general consensus after the 55-minute show (without interval) was that we didn't like the discordant music, but yes, it was visually stunning. Completely anarchic, quite surreal (dancing cake, anyone?) - perfect for the subject matter, I thought. Sung in a mixture of languages - some real, some made-up - it belted along at a manic pace. Most of the action took place to the left of the stage, which was handy for me, as my view of the right was cut off. Yes, glad I came.

Afterwards, we headed out in search of dessert - but the lack of options and the awful weather defeated some, and only four of us were left - a convenient number! - to get a table at Paul. We took a table in the restaurant section - where I decided that this was as good a place as any to get an evening meal, so I had a moreish steak, with chips that had been sprinkled with something like cinnamon. Delish! Cake and coffees for the others, and we had a lovely chat before deciding it was time to depart.
Now, last night I was checking with The Embers Collective - and they had only just advertised some more shows. They'd said they were holding another performance of stories of Love, Lust and Betrayal tonight (for the week that's in it) but had only just advertised it. With the earlier show being a matinee - I decided I could make this! Tickets from Design My Night, as usual. It was this evening, in Dona: and I was doubly delighted this was on - I just heard about it at my last storytelling event - because it's showing again later on a date I'm already booked up for, and in Cafe Cairo: which, as mentioned before, is a terrible venue for storytelling. Happy to skip that.

So I headed off again - in lashing rain, now - and caught a bus up to Stoke Newington. Nearly fell asleep on the way. It dropped me across the road. Dona is easy to miss.. I'd walked past it, and turned to realise that it was just a doorway, decorated in red streamers. However, the doorman wouldn't let me in - said they were still rehearsing, and wouldn't be open till 7; I was 20 minutes too early. He directed me to the chipper next door.. hmm. Instead, I headed a few doors down, to Cafe Babel - where I ordered a hot chocolate and took the last free table. 10 minutes went by before I got it - by going back up and reminding the server, who'd completely forgotten me! Anyway, it was decent.

By the time I'd finished, it was about time to head back to Dona - and the doorman decided to let me in. A bag check was followed by a climb down a steep flight of stairs, and Lonan Jenkins scanned my ticket.

Ah now, this was an improvement on Cafe Cairo! More space, decent seating.. a very funky vibe, of course, as typical for The Embers Collective. I ordered a glass of wine at the bar - and the other server, who'd been dealing with another customer, jumped in with suggestions of what I could have. Laconically - I hardly guessed she was addressing me. Especially since I didn't recognise a word of what she was saying! The only one I had a hope of remembering was her last suggestion of pinot blanc - and since she said they were all the same price (before drifting off again, without making eye contact), that's what I had. And it was watery.

Well, I was one of the first there, so had a good choice of seats - mind you, most were hard wood, which was a little uncomfortable by the end of the night. Dotted around the walls were little round tables, each with two stools - which turned out to be bolted to the tables! So when someone tried to move a stool - the whole contraption came too. There were a couple of armchairs, some loose stools - reminding me of Sands Films, with its eclectic seating. Or you could sit on the floor - there were a few cushions. And the place was pretty full by the time the performance started, some time after 7.30..

This was also to be an improvement on the last show. Well, for a start, we didn't have nearly as much noise creeping in from outside. And there was guitar accompaniment throughout, which greatly added to the atmosphere. Lonan started us off, with a story of a lonely fisherman who snagged a strange catch, then ended up falling in love with it.. we had a storyteller I hadn't seen before, and whose name I hadn't a hope of catching amid the applause at the end - she told us a tale of a Welsh princess with a sad experience of love. And Sarah Liisa Wilkinson took us through to the interval, and finished her story after it - it was a long one, of the youngest son's quest for love and adventure. The guy who rounded off the night - with a Greek myth, followed by a tuneless rendition of a folk song - is someone I've seen before, but again, have no idea of the name. And try getting it during the applause!

An excellent show, and a soothing way to end the day. Highly recommended - this show is running again on the 20th - but as I say, it's in Cafe Cairo; you have been warned! Freezing cold wind when I went back outside - and on the way to catch my bus, I came across a free WiFi terminal! Now there's something I haven't seen before. That bus couldn't have come soon enough either - and I was glad to be home at last. The wind is still whistling outside, as I write.. Not looking forward to the walk to work tomorrow.

Yet again, I was to be glad I hadn't anything booked for tomorrow - Civilised London left it late enough, but I'm now going with them to another of those Monday jazz nights at Wilton's! This time, it's the Jim Hammond Duo.

On Tuesday, I tried to get the first meeting of the year going with that group from my last company. Had the idea while I was eating at the Amarcord Museum - I love to advertise good places to people, and this is one! But apart from a couple of people who made their excuses because they're on holiday abroad - and despite the invite having gone out before Christmas - the only taker is Ivan, with no-one else even bothering to respond. Dead in the water, that group, it seems. Well, their loss. We'll have a lovely meal, and then he's booked that recording studio again for later that night. And as they do a special deal for 10 hours.. it'll be an all-nighter! So I'm taking the next day off work.

On Wednesday evening, I signed up for my first ever event with The Roads Less Travelled: Ekzotic Adventures Travel Club. Not actually travelling, mind - this is a talk about Myanmar. Specifically about the rubies you can get there, but with plenty of other information about the country as well. Takes place in a room above The Iron Duke pub. Ah, but then.. (and I should have remembered this event, because I knew about it) London European Club (and the World Music Meetup) advertised a concert by a Kurdish artist (from the Turkish side) at the Finnish Church. So I'm going to that instead. Tickets from Tuned In London, as usual.

On Thursday, I'm back at Soho Theatre for Jen Brister's show, Under Privilege. Then I'm back to Ireland for the weekend - where I have to sneak a look at my mother's Eir contract. She just changed to a new package, I just got her first bill for it (we've gone paperless, so it gets emailed to me as she doesn't use her email account), and I swear they've overcharged her on the monthly package price. They messed up the email address when I was ordering over the phone, so I never got the confirmation email - will have to check the paper version she got to ensure that what she got was what I agreed on in the first place. No point in asking her to check - she won't know what to look for, and she'll only get hysterical.

And assuming I survive all of that (they are AWFUL to deal with, and I thought her previous internet provider, 3, was bad!), on the 17th I'm back with UITCS for The Haystack at Hampstead Theatre. Another group of them went on Friday night, and I'm hearing excellent reports..